CWG venues in top-class shape, to be ready by Aug 25: Randhir

New Delhi: Satisfied with the preparation of
Commonwealth Games venues, Organising Committee vice-chairman
Randhir Singh on Monday said all the stadiums are in "top-class
shape" and will be ready by August 25.

Randhir, who visited the venues alongwith OC Chairman
Suresh Kalmadi and Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, said little
bit of finishing work which remains will be completed in a
weeks time.

"It has given me personal satisfaction to inspect each
and every venue except for the Khadarpur shooting range.
Initially I was worried and nervous but now I can assure you
that all the venues are in top-class shape," Randhir told a
press conference.

"The field of play in all the stadiums were already in
shape but now most of the rubbles have been cleaned. The
beautification work, including plantation of greenary, is
going on. It is a very encouraging sign," said Randhir, who is
also the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association.

"We checked each and everything minutely. Although minor
works still remains but everything will be completed in a
weeks time. By August 25 all the things will be done," he
added.

With the Games struck by charges of corruption, Randhir,
OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi and secretary general Lalit Bhanot
visited the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand
National Stadium, Jawaharal Nehru Stadium complex, Siri Fort
Sports Complex, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, Indira Gandhi
Sports Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex in the last one week
to take stock of the preparations.

Randhir also said that the Games Village will open on
September 16 to accomadate some foreign athletes who will be
in the Capital by September 15 for registration.

Shivaji Stadium, a training venue for hockey, is running
against time to be ready for the Games but Bhanot, who is also
the OC spokesman said it is not at all a matter of concern.

"Shivaji Stadium is a training venue. There were some
court cases which is the reason behind its delay. But even if
it does not finish within time we have Yamuna Sports Complex
and other stadiums for training," Bhanot said.